Jay Keron Graham

Jay Keron Graham, aged 65, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026 at his home in Columbus, Georgia. Born on February 7, 1960 in Glenside, Pennsylvania, Jay was the son of the late Richard Franklin Graham and Margaret Anne Graham, and the devoted husband to the late Shelley Graham. He grew up alongside his late brother, Mark Graham (Carrie), and his sisters Kathryn Kim Smith (David), Karen Mulvihill (Daniel), Magan Stevens (Michael), and Jill Bullock (Thomas). Relationships that remained incredibly important to Jay throughout his life.

Jay appreciated life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed a beautiful day on the golf course, cooking for the people he loved, and sharing stories with lots of laughter. Boy could Jay tell a story! Always a spitfire with jokes, and he had a way to bring laughter and a smile to any conversation. Spending time on the golf course was a favorite, especially spending time with friends and all the avid golfers he came to teach and play with.

Jay served honorably in the United States Army at Fort Benning in Columbus and fell in love with the city and its people. For 43 years Jay dedicated his time and heart to working in the medical field at the Hughston Clinic as an orthopedic technician. He was incredibly respected, but more importantly, he was truly loved by his teammates and patients. Jay was generous with his time and often volunteered his personal time to help train, mentor, and support his teammates. He believed in helping others and was never one to shy away from an opportunity to lend a hand. Everyone has a personal story about his kindness and innate goodness as he went about making a difference in so many lives simply by showing up and caring. His colleagues considered Jay a staple of the Hughston family.

Jay was the most devoted and loving husband to his late wife Shelley. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure her safety and happiness. He dedicated years of his life to making sure Shelley was comfortable as she fought her own health issues. Jay was also the BEST cat dad ever. All his cats lived well into their twenties!

Even as his health challenges became more frequent over the past few years, Jay remained positive and engaged. He continued his time on the golf course, learning new carpentry skills and enjoying the things he loved; inspiring those around him. Jay visited his sisters in Pennsylvania many times each year and remained a loving and generous brother. He loved a good project and helped all his sisters with projects that included building a tack room, constructing a stone path, putting pine boards up in a pole barn and taking a full day to cook the perfect meal for family gatherings. Jay also loved caring for his sisters’ horses and other farm animals. Nothing made him happier than mucking out a horse stall at six in the morning. He was madly in love with all his sisters’ children and grandchildren and they all loved him back.

Above all else, Jay was a devoted husband, son, brother and friend to his wife, family and anyone who came across his path. Jay will be remembered for his kindness, consistency, and the genuine care he showed everyone. His stories and jokes will be deeply missed, but his presence will continue to be felt by all who knew him.